power to forward the report, directed by the 24th section of the act of 4 Geo. IV. c. 64, as the reports directed to be made by the visiting magistrates and others, under section 23, have not been made. I have communicated the contents of your letter to the visiting magistrates, who desire me to state, that they did not consider the circumstances of the gaol of this county as calling for a strict compliance with the 24th section, and therefore the reports were not made; and that, as the petition lately presented from this county, in pursuance of the directions of the act 5 Geo. IV. e. 85. s. 11, contains what would have been the substance of these reports, the visiting magistrates hope the omission will not be considered of consequence. I have the honour to be, sir, RICHARD A. POOLE, Clerk of the peace of Carnarvon. To the right hon. Robert Peel, &c. &c. No. 10-CHESTER. The annual report of the clerk of the peace for the county of Chester, as to the regulation of the prisons within the same county; made pursuant to the statute 4 Geo. IV. c. 64. s. 24, for the year ending 19th October, 1824. The prisons within the jurisdiction of the justice of the peace for this county are, the county gaol, at the castle of Chester, under the superintendence of Mr. John Dunstan, and the house of correction at Nether Knutsford, of which Mr. George Hudson is the keeper. Visiting magistrates have been appointed at each quarter sessions for both prisons; and they have regularly made their reports at the subsequent sessions, which have been filed amongst the records of the court. wall, which will give the number of divisions required. The materials for effecting this plan are now on the spot, and the work will be, in a great measure, performed by the prisoners. Most of the prisoners have been constantly employed in different species of manufacture, some of which may be considered hard labour; but it has not hitherto been thought advisable to erect a tread-mill. A matron has been appointed during the last year, whose business is to reside constantly within the prison, and to superintend the conduct and employment of the female prisoners. Certain rules have been laid down for her conduct, which appear in the copy of the rules lately established, which is now sent to the secretary of state. The chaplain of the gaol has also made his quarterly reports. He states his duties to have been regularly performed, and that they consist of two full services on Sundays, with service on two other days of the week; to which has been added, an explanatory lecture on scriptural subjects. A school has been established in the prison, on the Madras system, under the super. intendence of the chaplain and the keeper, assisted by one of the prisoners. The number attending the school are stated to fluctuate much, from various causes; and the chaplain is diffident in giving an opinion as to the general progress of the scholars; he states, however, that a desire to learn is evinced; and he anticipates much good from the reading of the Bible and religious books, in the school and different wards, for which every facility is given, by a sufficient supply of books. The quarterly certificates of the keeper, as to the observance of the rules, have been satisfactory to the magistrates in sessions; the punishments he has had occasion to inflict have been few, and for trifling offences against the order of the prison. The reports of the visiting magistrates of the county gaol have stated, that they have gone through the different departments of the prison, The house of correction at Knutsford has also at least once in each fortnight, and generally been regularly visited by the magistrates apoftener; that they have had reason to be satis-pointed at each quarter sessions for that purfied with the attention paid to the order, dis- pose, who have reported to each sessions during cipline, food, and cleanliness of the prisoners: the last year. they have had occasion to interfere in a few instances of misconduct in the prisoners, where the punishment which the keeper was empowered to inflict was not sufficient. The same reports state, that the rules expressly contained in the act of parliament before mentioned, together with the rules which were in force at the time that act was passed, have been observed, except so far as relates to the extended classification of prisoners required by the act. Many plans have been devised, for the purpose of making the necessary divisions in the apartments of the gaol, without affecting the convenience of the arrangement, and the circulation of air; and it has at length been found unavoidable to cut each of the yards into two by a That the rules and regulations prescribed by the act have been duly observed. That the general conduct of the prisoners has been good, and that few instances of punishment have occurred. A considerable quantity of work, in various branches, has been done by the prisoners, particularly in fitting up the infirmary, where a great expense has been saved to the county. The tread-wheel has also been in constant employ; but that not having perceived any very beneficial effects from its use, they have lately found it necessary to extend the length of time during which the prisoners shall be employed thereon, from four to six hours per diem; but they express much doubt whether, even under this increase, any advantage whatever has arisen from the introduction of this mode of labour in the prison. The magistrates observe that the number of prisoners, in most of the classes, are greater than at Michaelmas in the last year; but they are at a loss to assign a cause for the increase, unless it be the daily growth of the populous towns of Stockport and Macclesfield, particularly the latter; from which two places a majority of the prisoners are brought in. The chaplain reports, that he trusts the attentive performance of his duties has been pro'ductive of some good; though, from the short periods for which very many prisoners are confined in this prison, he cannot pretend to any thing like a general effect. He performs full service twice every Sunday, reads prayers on Tuesdays, and prayers, with a lecture, on Thursdays. He has paid much attention to teaching the prisoners to read, but has in few instances found it advisable to attempt any further instructions. He has availed himself of the opportunity afforded him of distributing Bibles, Prayer-books, and plain tracts on religious subjects, and has had the satisfaction to find them asked for, and received in many instances with pleasure and thankfulness. The quarterly returns of the keeper of the house of correction shew some increase of prisoners beyond the average of former quarters, the aggregate of which appears by his annual report; but his certificates do not afford any thing to remark, they having uniformly stated that he has been able to maintain an observance of the rules in force for the government of the prison, without any material exceptions. (Signed) HENRY POTTS, clerk of the peace. Produced to the magistrates for the county of Chester, at their quarter sessions, held at Knutsford, in the same county, on the 19th October, 1824, and approved. TRAFFORD TRAFFORD, Chairman of the same sessions. No. 11.-CORNWALL. In pursuance of an act passed in the fourth year of the reign of his present majesty, intituled, "An Act for consolidating and amending "the laws relating to the building, repairing "and regulating of certain gaols and houses of "correction in England and Wales," I, as clerk of the peace of the county of Cornwall, do hereby certify that the reports and certificates, of which the following are copies, have been respectively delivered, pursuant to the directions of the said act. The visiting magistrates of the gaol and house of correction at Bodmin have to report, that alterations have been made in both the gaol and house of correction, since the passing of the act, respecting the classification of the prisoners; that there are eight classes of prisoners, some classes being also confined in Launceston gaol, and that the young offenders are kept separate from the old; that there are two work-shops, eight day-rooms, and eight airing-yards; that the buildings are in good condition, and no repairs necessary at present; but that a plan for a new ward for male debtors is now under consideration; that the male prisoners are employed in hard labour at the grist-mill, in sawing and polishing stones, and on the tread. wheel; that the female prisoners are employed in spinning flax and wool, in knitting, stockings, and in mending and washing clothes; that the prisoners are in general orderly; and that the prison is well governed, and salutary rules enforced. The visiting magistrates beg leave to add, that so far as they are able to judge, the discipline of the tread-wheel has had the effect of deterring from future crime, as well as of preventing those mischievous tricks which are usually practised by men who are in confinement and unemployed. ROBERT WALKER. JOHN KEMPE. NIC. KENDALL ABM. HAMBLY. The prisoners are in general healthys and the subordination and respectful demeanoct, so evident in each ward, speak highly for the excellent management of the governor. The operation of the tread-wheel has as yes been attended with very beneficial effects; and the unusual circumstance of a re-commitment strongly evinces the good impression which it produces upon the minds and conduct of those offenders who are subjected to its labour anvi discipline. I have the honour to be, gentlemen, Your most obedient humble servant,`` (Signed) LEON. J. BOOR, chaplain. Bodmin, Oct. 19, 1824. I hereby certify, that the rules and regula tions for the new prisons at Bodmin have been complied with (except rule the 2d), ir. I have not seen every cell daily; for having many order duties of the prisons to attend to, has prevented it; but I have seen the wards and prisoners daily, and I frequently inspect the cells. (Signed) JAMES CHAPPLE, gaoler. Michaelmas Sessions, 1824. Cornwall. The visiting magistrates of the gaol at Launceston report, that it is clean and in good order. That there are two classes of prisoners confined in it; viz. females convicted of felony, and males convicted of misdemeanors. (Signed) F. H. RODD. FRANCIS GLANVILLE, jun. Michaelmas Sessions, 1824. And I further certify, that very beneficial effects continue to result from the use of the tread-wheel in the gaol at Bodmin, and that the re-commitment of a person who has been subjected to its labour has been a very rare oc 19th October, 1824. Approved by the justices in open court of Michaelmas quartersessions, held this day, in and for the county of Denbigh. R. NEWCOME, chairman. No. 14.-DERBYSHIRE. To the right honourable Robert Peel, his majesty's principal secretary of state for the home department. The report of his majesty's justices of the peace of the county of Derby, assembled at their Michaelmas quarter sessions, 1824, made pursuant to the act of the fourth year of the reign of the present king, relative to the several prisons of the said county. Within the last twelve months no alteration has been made in the construction or arrangement of any of the county prisons; the classification of the prisoners, system of management, and general economy of the prisons, therefore, remain as they were reported at the last (Signed) J. HEARLE TREMAYNE, chairman. Michaelmas sessions. They are also under the No. 12.-CUMBERLAND. Sir, Carlisle, 1st November, 1824. I am directed by the court of general quarter sessions of the peace for the county of Cumberland, assembled at Penrith on the 19th day of October last, to state, that the classification and returns required to be made, under the 4 Geo. IV. e. 64, respecting the county gaol and prisoners, cannot be made until the new gaol, which is far advanced in progress, is finished. I am, &c. W. HODGSON. The right hon. Robert Peel, &c. &c. &c. I, Edward Jones, deputy clerk of the peace for the said county, do respectfully report to your worships, that the visiting justices of the goal of the said county have reported, that there are now in progress large additions to and alterations in the said gaol, for the better security and classification of the prisoners; and that Robert Williams, the gaoler, is diligent in his attention to the prison; and that the prisoners conduct themselves in a becoming manner; and that the prisoners are frequently employed in breaking stones, and that two-thirds of their earnings are paid to them on their liberation. And that the chaplain of the said gaol has reported, that the prisoners are orderly, and in regular attendance on divine service; and that the gaoler has certified, that the rules laid down | for the government of his prison have been complied with. EDWARD JONES, D. C. P. same establishment of officers, except that the assistant turnkey, at the goal and house of correction at Derby, has been discharged for misconduct, and as yet his successor has not been appointed. The number of prisoners confined, imme-. diately before the present sessions, in the gaol and house of correction at Derby, was thirtythree; and in the houses of correction at Ashborne, twenty-seven; at Wirksworth, one; at Chesterfield, seven; and at Tideswell, one; altogether, sixty-nine. The magistrates have to lament an almost entire want of the means of providing labour for the male convicts within the prisons. At Derby, some employment has been afforded at the works of the new gaol and house of correction; but this has necessarily been confined to those prisoners whom the visiting justices could venture to intrust without the walls of the prison, and could not be extended to that class of convicts for whom it would have been most desirable to have procured hard labour. The female prisoners continue to work in knitting, sewing, and washing. The utmost attention has been paid by the visiting justices, chaplain, and gaoler, to the religious and moral instruction of all the prisoners in confinement at Derby. By the extraordinary and laudable exertions of the chaplain, a considerable portion of their time has been daily occupied in reading and writing; and it is probable, owing to this cause, that, under all the disadvantages resulting from the want of more extensive classification, and the means of establishing a more perfect system of prison discipline, the prisoners, with very few exceptions, have conducted themselves in a very orderly and exemplary manner. The magis trates have great pleasure in acknowledging The visitors further reported, that the prescribed system of prison discipline, so far as the same could be carried on without the aid of classification, was duly maintained, and good order preserved in the house of correction; but they regretted that no means of employment were provided for the prisoners confined in the gaol. And at the same sessions, the committee appointed at the Midsummer sessions preceding, for taking into consideration the provisions of the late gaol act, reported,— their obligation to the right honourable secre- before a committee, to whom it had been referred tary for the home department for his early by order of sessions. attention to their application, and his compliance with their wishes, for the mitigation of the sentences of George Parker and George Turner. The rules and regulations prescribed by the act of the fourth of the present reign, (as far as they can be applied to the present state of the county prisons,) and the additional rules and regulations approved at the last Michaelmas sessions, and certified by the judge of assize at the last Lent assizes, have been strictly enforced in every prison. The visiting justices, in every quarterly report, have represented the conduct of the gaoler and matron of the gaol and house of correction at Derby, in terms of the highest commendation. All the prisons are reported by the visiting justices to be in good repair, and kept perfectly clean; the walls, ceilings, and passages, have been lately scraped and limewashed; the general state of health of the prisoners throughout the year has been good; no epidemic disease or sickness occasioned by confinement, or peculiar to prisoners, has been experienced; neither have any of the prisoners suffered either from the limited quantity or the quality of the food allowed them by the county. Though every possible exertion has been made to expedite the works of the new gaol and house of correction, the magistrates have to regret, that, from the difficulty of procuring and retaining workmen, in consequence of the present extraordinary demand for labour, and from the late unfavourable weather, the progress which has been made, within the preceding year, has not been equal to their wishes and anticipation; yet the advanced state of the building, and the assurance of the architect, justify them in repeating their opinion that the whole work will be completely finished at the next Michaelmas sessions. By order of court, J. BALGUY, chairman. Derby county hall, Oct. 20, 1824. No. 15.-DEVONSHIRE. Devon, to wit.A general report of the state and condition of the gaol and house of correction for the county of Devon, founded on the reports of the visiting justices, the chaplain, and the keeper of the said prisons; submitted to the justices assembled at the Michaelmas quarter sessions of the peace for the said county, 1824, and approved by such justices. At the Epiphany sessions, 1824, That they had availed themselves of an interview with Mr. Underwood, the surveyor enployed by the county of Somerset for building the prison at Shepton Mallet; and that, by the joint aid of the surveyors of Devon and Somerset, a plan had been matured for uniting the gaol and house of correction, at an estimate of 12.700r. with a prospect of reducing the cost, if it should be practicable to employ the prisoners in the labour of the building, as had been done in Somersetshire. And the said committee recommended that a matron should be appointed without delay; that such matron should be resident in the prison, and should be remunerated with a salary of G01. per annum; and the committee approved the nomination, by the governor, Mr. Cole, of Mr. Richard Rose, to be under-keeper of the gaol and house of correction. And the said surveyors reported, that in the house of correction the two court-yards, to the right and left of the keeper's house, are in their plan subdivided into four, making use of the two rooms (A A) shewn on the plan as day-roemos for these additional classes; by raising the roof of three wings, additional accommodation is provided for 120 prisoners, in manner hereafter described. The female division of the house of correction consists of four day-rooms and yards; sleeping accommodation for eighty-one prisoners; apart. ments for two female turnkeys; in a separate detached building, a laundry, wash-house, and three washing-rooms, with cooking-room and provision-house. The court-yards, working. rooms, &c. are under the immediate inspection of the female turnkeys, whose apartinents are so situated as to overlook the yards. In the gaol the female division consists of four day-rooms and yards, three of which are under the immediate inspection of the governor, and the fourth may be easily commanded by the The visiting justices of the gaol and house of matron; sleeping accommodation is provided for correction for the said county reported, these prisoners, in thirty-five separate cells. That they had inspected the said prisons since The male division consists of six separate daythe last sessions, but that they had not taken rooms and yards; there are four working-rooms into their consideration any question apper- also provided in this division, for the general use taining to the repairs, additions, or alterations of all the classes in the gaol, and complete inspec which might be required in those prisons, under tion by the turnkeys and governors; sleepingthe provisions of 4 Geo. IV. c. 64. as the inves-room accommodation for 116 prisoners, in cells tigation of those important matters were ponding and sleeping-rooms; and on the first and second floors there are apartments for two male turn- On the ground floor are two day-rooms and keys, consisting of a sitting and sleeping-room yards, for the classes of convalescent prisoners, each. In case of pressure, two of the working-with a sitting-room for the nurse or assistant, rooms might be converted into a day-room, and overlooking the court-yard and day-rooms; a the large court-yard subdivided by a wall to bath, water-closet, &c. separate the classes of the prisoners. The separate rooms for infirmaries, or sick wards, are by the desire of the committee placed as a detached building, and consist of wards, &c. as follow: On the first floor two large wards, as sleepingrooms, with nurse's sleeping-room, water-closet, &c.; and on the second floor similar accommodation, with a sleeping-room for a male or female assistant, if required. ABSTRACT of present and additional Accommodation, afforded by the proposed Alterations. Four additional male and female apartments and working-rooms for prisoners of all classes; four males, six females. Infirmary: Male day-room and yard. Raising house of correction buildings... 2,389 gaol, and supposing a part of it to be Additional building for laundry, wash. house, &e........ Infirmaries, baths, &c... 6,408 Prisoners..... And the said surveyors further reported, that if the works could be performed by the labour of the prisoners, the advantages arising from this method, together with the saving of profits to the tradesmen, and the advantage of purchase of materials, a saving might be effected of from twenty-five to thirty per cent. And it was thereupon ordered, by the said court of sessions, that the said committee should be re-appointed, and be requested to circulate throughout the county the said reports and plans, or such portion of them as they should think proper. And it was also ordered, that the said committee should be requested to advertise for a competent person to fill the office of matron to the said prisons. 616 And that they should be also requested to 3,300 frame a set of rules and regulations for the future government of the said prisons. £12,713 And it was further ordered, that the consi |